Passing on
tradition
Salt River First Nation
involves their youth
in the teachings
of their Elders
The Salt River First Nation (SRFN) has been very busy lately running the day-to-day affairs for the membership. A position was created to work with the youth and keep them busy with activities such as, sports, music lessons, camera operations workshops, travelling out of town for workshops and campouts, and so far they have been very active and are enjoying the activities.
The Education Foundation has also been busy, with school year coming to an end and a new one about to begin and funding being put in place for prospective students.
The Development Corporation has also been very busy creating jobs for the membership.
Elders of the SRFN have been doing different cultural activities, with local governments and they like the rapport they have with the young students as it bridges the age gap and gives the students a newfound respect for the Elders. This also gives the student an education on the Native culture and skills that are necessary for wilderness survival.
One of SRFN’s Elders is Maggie Sikyea, who is always the first to be asked to attend culture camps and she is always willing to partake and interact with the elementary and high school students. She is a great cook and an equally great person.
Her husband is also very adept and skilled as a trapper/hunter and he, too, teaches his skills to the youngsters. These two are an important resource for the SRFN, and the community continues to respect them and learn from them, and through their teachings, continue living the good life.
Sonny McDonald is also a SRFN member who is active as a band council member and is a very skilled carver. He has been carving for years and has sold and donated his carvings internationally, nationally and locally.
There are also other Elders, that partake in teaching their skills to our youth. They are, Mary Heron (storyteller/historian), Archie Smith and Emily Smith (hunters and trappers).
This is only a small number of our Elders that are taking part in activities that pass on the Native tradition. Others not mentioned here will be included in future issues of Native Journal.